Switch operating mechanism



J. B. OWENS SWITCH OPERATING MECHANISM Feb. 16, 1954 5 Sheets-Sheet 2Filed NOV. 5, 1949 Fig.3.

INVENTOR JomesB.O wnes. 0C ATTORNEY WITNESSES: a fl g- Feb. 16, 1954 J.B. OWENS SWITCH OPERATING MECHANISM 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Nov. 3, 1949INVENTOR James B. Owens. 5Q 2/ ATTORNEY Feb. 16, 1954 J OWENS 2,669,622

SWIT H OPERATING MECHANISM Filed Nov. 3, 1949 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Fig.6.

WITNESSES:

James B.Owen s.

Feb. 16, 1954 J. B. OWENS 2,669,622

SWITCH OPERATING MECHANISM Filed Nov. 3, 1949 s'sheeis-sheet 5 Fig.7.

Fig. 8.

WITNESSES:

. I INVENTOR games 8. Owens.

Patented Feb. 16, 1954 2,669,622 SWITCH OPERATING MECHANISM James B.Owens, East McKeesport, Pa., assignor' to Westinghouse ElectricCorporation, East Pittsburgh,

Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application November 3, 1949, SerialNo. 125,209

- 13 Claims. 1

This invention relates, generally, to operating mechanism for electricswitches, and more particularly, to power operated mechanisms of thistype.

These mechanisms for operating switches usually include an electricmotor operating through reduction gearing to move the switches to theiropen and closed circuit positions, and, of course, during operating ofthe switches it is necessary to arrest their motion rather precisely attheir defined open and closed circuit positions. This has beenaccomplished by providing solenoid operated motor brakes energized torelease the braking when the motor is energized. However, such brakeshave generally required high currents to release them and have beencorrespondingly difficult to release when it is desired to effect manualoperation of the motor mechanism.

Accordingly, one obiect of this invention is to provide a novel solenoidoperated braking arrangement for motor operated mechanisms for switches,which is capable of high braking effort with relative ease in operation.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel brakingarrangement having efficient braking action and being of aself-energizing type.

Another reason why precise braking action is important in switchoperating mechanism of the type described, is that such mechanisms areoften remotely controlled and consequently desirably include switchmeans operated by the mechanism for transmitting intelligence back tothe remote operating point.

It is another object of this invention, therefore, to provide inconjunction with power operating mechanism for switches having brakemeans for precision stopping of such mechanism and manual means foruncoupling the switches from the braked mechanism and for operating theswitches, novel means for selectively connecting control means to beresponsive to positioning of the switches either dependently orindependently of the braked motor mechanism proper.

Another object of this invention is to provide in motor operatedmechanisms for switches having manual means to operate the switchesindependent of the motor mechanism, novel means for selectivelyconnecting control means to be operated either dependently orindependently of the motor mechanism.

These and other objects of this invention will become apparent uponconsideration of the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof, when taken in connection with the attached drawings,in which:

Fig. 1 is a top view of a three-pole disconnecting switch installationoperated by mechanism in accordance with this invention;

Fig. 2 is an end elevational view of the switch installation shown inFig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged elevational view of the switch operating mechanismand its housing with the housing cover removed;

Fig. 4 is a vertical cross-section view through the operating mechanismhousing shown in Fig. 3, taken substantially at right angles to Fig. 3,but showing the mechanism in the housing in elevation;

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic view of the mechanism and an electrical controlcircuit therefor;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged cross-section view of part of the switch operatingmechanism;

Fig. '7 is a front elevational view partly in section illustrating thebrake for the operating mechanism; and

Fig. 8 is a side elevational view partly in sec tion of the brakingmechanism shown in Figure 7.

While this invention may be used in the operation of various types ofelectric switching devices, it is illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 inconnection with the operation of a plurality of disconnecting switches2, which are generally mounted on an elevated support, such as on polesor elevated framework, at a substation or the like.

Each of the disconnecting switches 2 is adapted to be mounted on aflanged channel base 4, which has a stationary insulator 6 mounted ateach end thereof, and a rotatable insulator 8 mounted adjacent one ofthe stationary insulators [5. The rotatable insulator 8 is joined at itsupper end by a supporting brace it to the adjacent stationary insulator6, and this supporting brace has a terminal pad [2 at the outer endthereof for attachment of a terminal conductor thereto. The upper end ofrotatable insulator 8 has a stub shaft 22, and a journal portion whichis rotatably received ina bearing provided in supporting brace Ill.Operating mechanism for the switch blade [5 is enclosed in a housing Mwhich is pivotally mounted on brace It on an axis which extendstransversely of the blade and the outer end of switch blade i6 isadapted to be received in pressure engagement with break contact jaws I8at the closed circuit position of the switch. Contact jaws I3 aresecured to the upper end of the other stationary insulator 6, on afixture which includes a second terminal pad 20 for connection ofanother line conductor to the switch. For a more complete description ofthe particular switches illustrated and their mode of operation,

3 reference is hereby made to H. L. Rawlins Patent No. 2,363,360, issuedNovember 21, 1944, to the same assignee as this invention.

Generally speaking, the switches are operated to their open and closedcircuit positions by rotation of their insulators in oppositedirections. Rotation of insulator 3 of any of the switches in acounterclockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 1, results first inrotation of the switch blades it about their longitudinal axes torelieve the pressure on contact jaws it due to a connection of insulatorshaft 22 with the blades in mechanism housing Hi, and thereafter theblades are pivotally raised about the transverse axis on which mechanismhousing H3 is mounted on supporting brace 59, due to a connection ofstub shaft 22 to the housing is. Rotation of insulators 8' intheopposite clockwise direction will close the switches and cause movementof the switch blades is in the reverse sequence, namely, they willpivotally move down to a position between contact jaws it with mechanismhousing Hi, and thereafter the blades will be rotated about theirlongitudinal axes into pressure engagement between contact jaws I8.

Each of the rotatable switch insulators 3 has a crank arm 2d securedthereto, and as shown in Fig. 1, these crank arms are connected by anoperating link 26 pivoted to the outer end of each crank arm, and thislink in turn is pivoted as at 28' to the outer end of an operating crank3E2 secured to the upper end of an operating shaft 32. The operatingshaft 32 extends vertically downwardly, preferably to a locationaccessible by an operator from the ground, to be connected to motoroperating mechanism 3%, which is adapted to rotate operating shaft 32 inopposite directions, to effect opening and closing of the disconnectingswitches 2.

The operating mechanism 34 is shown as being mounted in a housingincluding a stationary part comprising a rear wall 36 of sheet metalhaving an integral topwall 38', which terminates at the front andopposite sides in a depending marginal flange Ml. Rear wall 36 of thehousing also has forwardly proiecting side flanges 55 which, togetherwith flanges 126 form vertical grooves for receiving the casing cover tobe hereinafter described. Vertical flanges 56' are formed on the sideedges of a bracing plate 4% which is secured in closely spaced relationdirectly to rear wall 36', as by studs 53 secured to the bracing plates,and having collars 52 spacing the bracing plate from rear wall Thebottom wall 54 of the housing is formed by a flanged base plate securedto bracing plate lt, in any desired manner, for example, as by weldingor the like. The front flange of bottom wall 54 is formed with asubstantially centrally located locking lug 55' (Figs. 3 and 4) forsupporting the housing cover, in a manner to be described. Mounted' onbottom wall 5 3' of the housing are a plurality of supporting brackets58- and 66) for supporting terminal blocks 6'2 to which connections forth various electrically energized components of the operating mechanismmay be made; A; support so is also mounted on bottom wall. and thissupport may have a circuit breaker t3 mounted thereon for protecting theelectrically energized components of the mechanism, and support E i mayalso hav a rearwardly extending portion on which a relay or contactormay be mounted where operation from a remote point is desired.

The drive motor 58 for the operating mechanism is adapted to be mountedon bracing plate 18 above terminal blocks 62, with the motor drive shaftll] arranged vertically. The motor drive shaft lb may be provided with asuitable brake, and this may comprise a metal brake disc 12 having asquare opening at its center for receiving a square sleeve H secured onmotor shaft 19. Brake disc i2 is thus slidably but non-rotatably mountedon the motor shaft, so that the brake disc may float in a verticaldirection. Brake disc 1'2 cooperates with a pair of brake shoes 14 andit, each of which may comprise a metal backing plate lined with anysuitable friction brake materiaLsuch, for example, as an asbestoscomposition. The lower brake shoe i4 is the stationary shoe, but ismounted for pivotal movement on a pivot pin 13 secured to bracing platei3 as by a bolt 15. The upper movable brake shoe it is also pivotallymounted at Ti on an operating lever l8, with the brake shoe pivots 73and Ti being mounted on substantially parallel axes. Operating lever'18. is pivotally mounted at a point 19' closely adjacent the pivot Hfor brake shoe 15, with the pivot 79 for the operating lever being alsosupported on bracing plate 48, as by a bolt 8!. inner end of 013--erating lever T8 is connected with a substantially cylindrical solenoidcore having a split upper end for receiving the inner end of operatinglever is between a pair ofpins 81 which extend across the split upperend of the solenoid core, A solenoid coil 89 is provided with asubstantially central cylindrical opening lined by guide sleeve 9 l,which should be of a non-magnetic material, preferably a moldedinsulating material with the core and guide sleeve being supported in asubstantially U-shaped supporting frame having upper and lowersupporting legs 93 and 95;, respectively. Thelowerend of the opening insolenoid coil 89' and, guide sleeve 9| is closed by an adjustablestationary core 9-1, which should be of a magneticmaterial such as softiron, and this core has a non-sticking washer 99 resting on top of anon-magnetic material to prevent sticking of core 85 when it is drawndown into engage.- ment with stationary core plug 91 upon energizationof coil 89-. A brake setting spring 1M normally biases solenoidcore- 85 upwardly, being mounted on the core and reacting between anupper collar H33 seated on pin 31, and alower collar H35 seated on theupper arm 83 of the solenoid support.

As previously pointed out. brake disc-.12 floats on the motor shaft andbetween movable brake shoe I5 and relatively stationary brake shoe 1-4,

so that the brake setting force exerted by spring 50.1 results in abraking effort approximately double that which would be obtained if buta single brake shoe of the same size were employed. It should also benoted that due to the pivotal mounting I3 and 11 of the brake shoes,they are at least partially self-energizing, irrespective of thedirection of motor rotation, because rotation of brake disc :2 in eitherdirection tends to rotate the brake shoes about their pivotal mountingsI3 and T1, and this obviously will tend to force the trailing edges ofthe brake shoes into firmer engagement with brake disc I2; Moreover,operating lever 18 has a high mechanical advantage due to positioning ofits supporting pivot 19 closely adjacent the mounting of movable brakeshoe 16 thereon, and since the force exerted by spring 10! is thusmultiplied, preferably about ten times, it is apparent that a relativelylight spring ml may be employed, and

this makes possible the use of a relatively small low-current solenoidcoil for releasing the brake. It is obvious that when solenoid coil 89is energized it will pull core 85 downward and thus raise movable brakeshoe 76 to release brake disc 12. Also, when solenoid. coil 89 isdeenergized and its parts are positioned as shown in Figure 7, springIOI will cause movable brake shoe 16 to move into engagement with brakedisc 12, which in turn is moved down into pressure engagement with fixedbrake shoe 14. It should also be noted that any wear on brake shoes 14and I6 is automatically compensated for by increased travel of springIOI. Of course, this causes core 85 to move further away from core plug91 and, consequently, reduces the pull of solenoid coil 89 when it isenergized. Eventually after considerable wear core 85 will have movedfar enough away from plug 9? that the solenoid coil will not be able torelease the brake, and at this time it will be necessary to adjustthreaded core plug 81 upwardly to restore the original air gap to giveproper operation. After adjustment, core plug 97 may be secured in itsnew position by the lock nuts mounted thereon.

During adjustment of the complete motor mechanism it is often desirableto release the brake so that the mechanism may be turned by hand. Forthis purpose it should be noted that brake operating lever I8 isextended outwardly beyond the brake shoes and motor shaft 10 to theright as viewed in Figures 3 and '7 of the drawings, to form a simpleand convenient brake release handle. It is only necessary to pullupwardly on the outer extension of operating lever 18 to release thebrake completely. The brake disc I2 then forms a convenient hand wheelto aid in turning the operating mechanism by hand.

The upper end of motor shaft I is coupled with an input shaft 82 of agear train by any suitable means, preferably a universal type joint 80.By reference to Fig. 6, it will be observed that the gear train issupported between spaced journal plates 83 and 88, with the whole geartrain being enclosed in a substantially U-shaped gear housing 84, havingflanged ends secured to bracing plate 48 on the rear wall of thehousing, for example, as by screws 86 (Fig. 3).

The input shaft 82 of the gear train is journaled in both plates 83 and88, and has a pinion 9t thereon adapted to mesh with a gear 92,preferably of a molded composition material, to reduce noise. Gear 92 iskeyed to the hub of a pinion 34, with the latter being rotatably mountedon a hollow shaft 8%. Hollow shaft 96 is secured at its upper end to anenlarged hollow output shaft 98 for the gear train, as will behereinafter apparent. Pinion 84 meshes with a large gear I 00 and this,in turn, is mounted on a shaft having a pinion It2 which engages a gearI04 secured on output shaft 93. A hollow shaft I06 comprises the outputshaft from the entire operating mechanism, and the lower end of thisshaft is reduced in size and is received in output shaft 98 for the geartrain, and has a shaft I08 secured to the lower end thereof, as by a pinII 8, with the shaft I I38 extending downwardly through hollow shaft G6,all for a purpose to be described. The upper end of output shaft I08 hasa pair of spaced apertured ears II2 formed integral therewith forreceiving a connecting pin I M for connecting operating shaft 32therewith. Preferably top wall 38 of the mechanism housing has a sleeveH6 secured thereto, and the upper end of the output shaft I 06 may havean integral skirt H5 extending over the upper end of sleeve H6.

In order to couple mechanism output shaft I 06 to gearing output shaft98, a coupling pin H8 is provided and it will be noted that this pin hasan enlarged cross-section portion I20, intermediate its ends, with anouter portion I22 thereof of reduced cross-section area. In the positionof the parts shown in Fig. 6, it will be observed that the openings inoutput shafts 98 and I 06 at the left are of a size to closely receivethe large cross-section portion I of coupling pin II8, whereas theopenings in these shafts at the right are reduced to closely receive thesmall cross-section part I 22 of coupling pin II8. It will thus beobvious that coupling pin II8 can be inserted to couple output shafts 98and I08 only when these shafts are in the relative angular positionsshown in Fig. 6 of the drawings. Coupling pin H8 is also provided withan annular groove I24 adjacent its inner end fOr receiving an edge of agenerally U-shaped lock member I26, which, in turn, receives gearingoutput shaft 38, and has its ends pivotally mounted on this shaft, as atI28. It will also be noted that openings I are provided throughmechanism output shaft I06 immediately above the upper end of gearingoutput shaft 98, and these openings are designed of a size to receive anoperating bar which may be manually moved.

In the position of the parts shown in Fig. 6, it will be apparent thatmotor 68 will drive the output shafts by way of pinion 90, gear 92,pinion, gear lot, pinion I02, gear I04, to gearing output shaft 98, andthence by means of coupling pin II8 to mechanism output shaft I06.Incidentally, hollow shaft 95 and shaft I08 will also be operatedinasmuch as the former is secured to gearing output shaft 98, and thelatter is secured to mechanism output shaft 106. Now, if it is desiredto manually operate mechanism output shaft I06, it will be necessary toraise lock member 26 out of groove I24 in coupling pin I I8, so that thecoupling pin may be removed, and mechanism output shaft may be movedindependently of the gear train. It will be observed that it is notpossible to insert a manual operating bar in apertures I30 of mechanismoutput shaft I06 until coupling pin H8 is withdrawn, because the pinmaintains lock member I28 in a position where it obstructs access to theopenings I30 from the left side (Figs. 3 and 6), which is the side anoperating bar would have to be inserted to open switches '2. Of course,when coupling pin H8 is removed in the manner set forth above, lockmember I26 will drop down until it engages the side of gearing outputshaft 98, where it will be down below openings I30 and will no longerobstruct insertion of a manual operating bar in openings I of themechanism output shaft I05. Following manual operating of mechanismoutput shaft I83, it will be impossible for the reasons previouslypointed out to insert coupling pin M8 to connect this shaft to gearoutput shaft 95 until the two shafts are aligned in the particularangular relation shown in Fig. 6. This is of importance for reasonswhich will be hereinafter referred to.

Mechanism output shaft I has provision for locking it in the position itoccupies when disconnecting switches 2 are at their open and closedcircuit positions comprising, a lock bracket I secured to shaft I05 by abolt 3. The outer end of lock bracket I has an opening 5 and is adaptedto underlie openings in stationary brackets which are secured by boltsII to lugs 53 rigidly secured to top wall 38 of the housing. Wheneverthe opening is aligned with the opening in a bracket 7, a padlock may beinserted through the aligned openings to thus positively lock thedisconnecting switches in either the open or closed circuit position,irrespective of whether coupling pin H3 is in place or not.

For the purpose of controlling operation of motor 535, for example, toenergize and deenergize it in response to 180 rotation of output shaft96 or Hit, or both, as well as for the purpose of energizing indicatingcircuits to indicate the position of the mechanism and hence theposition of switches 2 at a remote point, there is provided in thenechanism housing, a pair of control switches E32 and I34 also mountedon bracing plate is at a point adjacent to and at one side of motor 68.Each of these switches may have rotatable contact actuating meansadapted to be actuated by a crank I36 mounted on hollow shaft St.Provision is made for connection of crank I35 with either the hollowshaft 95 which is connected with the output shaft 98 of the reductiongearing, or to shaft Iil8 which is connected directly with hollow outputshaft let for the entire mechanism. Thus, crank I35 may be connected tohollow shaft 96 by a set screw ml, or it may be connected to shaft H18by a removable pin Its extending through the crank and through a collarll! secured on the lower end of shaft its. In either case, crank He isconnected to control switch I35 by a connecting link are pivotallyassociated with a crank hill on the rotatable operating shaft on switchI34. This shaft may be also provided with a second crank Mil connectedby a link I i-2 to a crank I46 on the operating shaft for control switchI32, to effect simultaneous operation of the two control switches inaccordance with movement of either or both output shafts Itlt and es. Itwill be obvious from the structure herein described that if operatingcrank its is secured to shaft I08 by pin IE9, the switches will beactuated in accordance with movement of the mechanism output shaft lit,and consequently will be moved in accordance with movement ofdisconnecting switches 2, irrespective of whether the mechanism outputshaft lliii is operated by motor 68, or by a manual operating barinserted in openings I33; of the mechanism output shaft when it isdisconnected from gearing output shaft 98. On the other hand, ifoperating crank I36 for the control switches is secured solely to hollowshaft 95 by set screw it! (pin I09 not being in place), then theswitches will be operated solely in accordance with operation of gearingoutput shaft 98, and will not be operated at all during manualoperation'of switches 2 when it is disconnected from mechanism outputshaft I86 upon withdrawal of coupling pin II8. Thus, it is apparent thatthe control switches I32 and I34 may be connected to the operatingmechanism so that their positions will always correspond to thepositions of the disconnecting switches, or alternatively they may beconnected so that they correspond only to the positions of gearingoutput shaft 98, and will not be operated during manual operation ofswitches 2. It may be desirable to have a pin lot which is threaded atone end so that it may be used as a set screw It? when it is desired tocouple crank I36 to shaft 56.

The cover its for the operating mechanism is substantially U-shaped incross-section having opposite sides I50 and I52 with handles I54 mountedadjacent the upper ends of each of these sides. The top edge of coverI48 is provided with a flange ltd which extends inwardly across thefront and for a substantial distance rearwardly along each side of thecover, with this flange terminating in downwardly turned locking lugsI62 at each side of the cover, for the purpose to be described. At thebottom of the front part of cover let, there is provided an opening I56adapted to receive latch lug 56 provided on the front flange of bottomwall 54 of the housing, when the cover is at its upper position whereinit completes the enclosure of the operating mechanism, in cooperationwith top wall 38, rear wall 36, and bottom wall 54.

In the closed position, it will thus be seen that cover I48 is supportedby tongue I56 on bottom wall 54 of the housing, and may be locked inthis position by a padlock or the like inserted through the opening inlooking lug 56. It will be apparent that the cover may be entirely movedfrom the housing by merely grasping handles I54 and lifting upwardlyuntil latch tongue E58 clears the bottom of openings I56, when thebottom of the cover may be swung outwardly and the entire cover let downand entirely removed from the housing. In applying the cover, it issimply moved upwardly into engagement with the underside of top wall 38whereupon latch lug 55 may move into opening I55 in the cover, and thenthe cover may be dropped down and will remain in the closed positionshown in Fig. l. It will be observed that in this position flange 40 oftop wall 33 completely encloses the upper end of cover M8, and the sideedges of the cover are received in the spaces between flanges 45 and 46on rear wall 34 and bracing plate 48, to thus form a completelyweatherproof housing for the mechanism.

It will also be observed that the only part oi. the mechanism exposed isthe upper end of the output shaft hi6, namely, the connecting ear I I2thereof and skirt I 15 which protects the opening in top wall 33,through which the output shaft projects. Moreover, the coupling pin II8being located within the housing is, together with the parts associatedtherewith, completely protected from the weather, and when a padlock isinserted in locking lug 5%, it prevents access to all of the mechanismwithin the housing including coupling pin H8 and parts associatedtherewith for permitting manual operation of mechanism output shaft I96.Now, when it is desired to manually operate output shaft act, the covermay be raised to release latch tongue 58 as described above and thendropped straight. down until the flange I66 rests on gear housing 8%. Itwill be observed that inner portions of the gear housing are cut away asat Hit to receive locking lugs I62 to prevent accidental displacement ofthe cover from this partially op n position where only the means foruncoupling output shafts 98 and IE6 is exposed. In this position of thecover (not shown) the manual operating mechanism is exposed on threesides, but the remainder of the mechanism is still substantiallyentirely enclosed so as to be protected from rain, sleet or snow.Moreover, at the partly open position of the cover, the switch may bemanually uncoupled by withdrawing pin H8 in the manner previouslydescribed and the operating bar may then be insorted in openings I 30 ofmechanism output sha t I08 and the latter is thus freed to b rotatedmanually the required for operation of disconnecting switches 2 to theiropen and closed positions. Moreover, after the switches have beenuncoupled from the motor operating mechanism including the gearing inthis manner, and manually operated, the handle can be removed and thecover raised to its fully closed position and locked. This preventsunauthorized persons from operating the switch either electrically ormanually.

Of course, at any time mechanism output shaft I96 can be locked at itsextreme positions by means of bracket I. Moreover, if it is desired toinspect or repair any of the mechanism, the cover I48 may be entirelyremoved from the housing either from its fully enclosed position shownin Fig. 4, or from its partly open position. This particular coverconstruction and its cooperation with the other parts of the mechanismand switches are claimed in the copending application of J. B. Owens andE. F. Beach on Switch Operating Mechanism, Ser. No. 125,208, filed Nov.3, 1949, and assigned to the same assignee as this invention.

' Referring to Fig. 5 of the drawings, it will be observed that theoperating mechanism has the electrically energized components thereofsupplied from supply conductors LI and L2. The mechanism has twoenergizing circuits, one for closing switches 2 controlled by a pushbutton C which may be located at a remote location for energizing thecoil of a contactor CC, with energization of this coil being alsodependent on whether or not contacts I I 3 are at their open or closedcircuit position. The contacts I I3 may comprise one set of contacts ofcontrol switches I32 and I34, and, as previously pointed out, thecontacts of these switches are operated in accordance with the positionof mechanism output shaft I 05, or gearing output shaft 98. The othercontrol circuit for the mechanism and for opening switches 2 is adaptedto be energized by a normally open push button switch T, for energizingthe coil of a contactor TC, with the energizing circuit of the coilbeing dependent on the condition of contacts II! which may compriseanother set of contacts of control switches I32 and I34. However,contacts II 3 and Ill may be entirely separate limit switches operatedby the gearing output shaft 96. In order to insure alternate operationof contactors CC and TC, their armatures are provided with a mechanicalinterlock lever II9 pivotally secured to each armature rod and pivotallymounted at I2I intermediate its ends. With the disconnecting switches 2at their closed position, the contacts II 3 of the control switches willbe at the open position illustrated, whereas contacts II! of theseswitches will be closed, so that the only circuit which can be energizedby the push buttons is that for the coil of the opening contactor TC.Assuming that push button '1 is depressed to energize the coil ofopening contactor TC, it will be observed that this contactor willoperate to close a set of contacts I23 to establish a holding circuitby-passing push button T by means of a conductor I25 and a conductor I21connected to supply conductor LI Contactor TC also closes a second setof contacts I45 thereby establishing a circuit from supply conductor LIby way of conductors I 21 and I29 through contacts I45, then by way of aconductor I 3| to brake release coil 89, and then by conductor I33 tothe other supply conductor L2. Contacts I45 also energize the runningWinding R of motor 68 by means of a conductor I35 connected to supplyconductor L2 in parallel with brake release coil 89. A third set ofcontacts I3! closed upon en- 10 ergization of contactor TC connectssupply conductor LI by way of conductors I 2'! and I29 to one side ofthe starting winding S of motor 68 by way of a conductor I39 and I43.The other side of starting winding S is connected in series with acondenser I4I and then by way of a conductor I6I through still anotherset of contacts I47 which are closed by contactor TC, and thence by wayof conductors I49 and I33 to supply conductor L2.

With the motor 68 thus energized to rotate switch operating shaft I56 ina direction to open the switches, the motor will continue to operateuntil control switches I 32 and I34 are operated to open contacts Ill,and at substantially the same time contacts I I3 are closed to thusprepare the closing circuit for motor 68. Of course, opening of controlswitch contacts I I! deenergizes the coil of contactor TC permitting itsarmature to drop down and open all of its contacts I23, I45, I37 andI41.

After the disconnecting switches 2 have been opened in the mannerpointed out above, they may be closed by depressing push button switch Cto thus energize the coil of contactor CC through the now closed controlswitch contacts II3. This causes the armature of contactor CC to bedrawn upwardly to close its contacts, the first of which I5I establishesa holding circuit for the contactor by way of conductors I53 and I2! tosupply conductor LI. A second set of contacts I55 which are closed uponenergization of contactor CC operates to connect supply conductor LI byway of conductors I2? and I5? through contacts I55, and then byconductor i3I to the parallel circuit of brake release coil 39 andrunning winding R of motor 68, to supply conductor L2. Another set ofcontacts I59 which are closed by energization of contactor CC acts,together with contactor contacts E33, to connect the starting winding Sof motor 68 in a reverse manner between supply conductors LI and L2 fromthat in which it is connected by energizetion of contactor TC. Thiscircuit may be traced from supply conductor LI by way of conductors I 21and I 51, through contacts I 59, and then by a conductor I6I to one sideof starting winding S, and then by conductor I43 through contacts I63and conductors I49 and I33, to supply conductor L2. This circuit thusenergizes motor 68 to run in the opposite direction from its switchopening movement to close disconnecting switches It will be apparentfrom the foregoing that the control circuit for the mechanism is suchthat the brake release coil 89 is energized simultaneously withenergization of motor 88, and is deen- While only two sets of switchcontacts are shown in Figure 5 which may be contacts of control switchesI32 and I34, it is obvious that the other contacts of each of theseswitches may be used to energize any number of circuits which may bedesired for the purpose of controlling circuits of indicator lamps Orother types of signals to indicate, for example, at the same location aspush button switches C and T, the position of disconnecting switches 2;or if the switches are connected for operation solely by hollow shaft96, such circuits will then indicate the position of the gearing outputshaft 93.

It is also apparent that the particular brake discl sed o a pe hich reuires but a relat e y li ht energizing sp ing. s that h eas of he br kmay be accom l she y a smell l w u rent ole id r lea As a matter o ta hbra e rran m t is such tha i is at least partly self-energizing whenapplied. More er, while it i s a ly de rab e f r e y rea ns ha th c n rswitch s be con t to he outpu ha t o h ent e hanis o thus always give atru ind cation. o e po tion i the disconne t n s it es it is s m times dsi a le to dis nn ct h dis onn c in switches f om. t e m tor and sea inand et hav t e control sw tches upled to th m or and earin so that th mchan sm. be onerated, for examp r' r testing purpo s Wit ou disturbinthe dis onnect n swit hes h s is in the const c ion disclosed he e n sine th se s itches may be. connect d ithe to the output shaft not for theentire, mechanism or me ely o t e ou put shaft 9.8 for the mot operat dearin Ha n par icula ly describ d a pr fer ed ernbo inent f t e i v nion i ac orda ce wi h h patent statu s, i is d s red ha this inven io benot limi d o thi p r cular a ran ment, inasmuch as it will be a pa e tparticularly t person sk led in h art t t many mo ifi ons an c es may em in his parti ula construction wi hout depa ng from the broad i it a dsc e o this inv nti n. Mor over, it. will be appar nt that various partsof the structure herein disclosed are usable in other env ronment andwith o er ype f mechan sm par ular e sp ifi brak and even the mode ofconnecting control switches to either of two op r tin shor s.Accordingly, it is desi ed t at. h inv ntion b in erpr t d as broadly asposs le, a d that it be limited on y as re du red y th p ior art- Iclaim as my inventi n:

1, A. swi h n ru on. ompri ing. a switch havin s parable c ntacts mountd on an elevated r at ely inacc s le support, unitary on cr n me han smmount d t a remote but relatively a ssi lo ati ni sa d mec an sm havinsutput sh rt, mot on tra smitt n me n mec nicall o n c in said shaftandsaid sw tch a rev r b motor drivin a educt on ear t ain, mean rel as b yo p in sa d s ar ra n and o ut sha a brake tor said mo or hav ng asettine; s rin an solenoid r lease. ont swi h. m ans or s multaneouslyrrersizi s d d ene e i e sai motor and solen id, and mechan al means forse ecti on: necting said control switch means to said gear ra n o to sau pu haft to sel tively op rat h n r tch m an cco d nce w h the pos o so e gear r n o the swit h on acts- 2- A tch c ns ru i ompri n a witchhaving separable contacts mounted on an elevated relatively inaccessiblesupport, unitary op erating mechanism mounted at a remote but relativelyaccessible location, said mechanism having an output shaft, motiontransmitting means mechanically connecting said shaft and; said switch,a reversible motor driving a reduction gear train, an output shaftforsaid gear train, means releasably connecting said output shafts, abrake for said motor having a setting spring and solenoid release,control switch means for simultaneously energizing and deenerg-izingsaid motor and solenoid, said output shafts having concentric endportions, and mechanical means t r s le i e y onnect n said c ntrol sw hmean wi h eith r of aid output shalt end P911 tion to l i ly o erate thecon ol switch means in accordance with the positions of the gear trainor the contacts of the switch.

e witch c stru i n comp ng. a switch having separable contacts mountedon. an olevated relatively inaccessible support, unitary op eratingmechanism mounted at a remote but relatively accessible location, saidmechanism hav ing an output shaft, motion transmitting meansmechanically connecting said shaft and said switch, a reversible motordriving a reduction gear train, an output shaft for said gear train,means releasably connecting said output shafts, a brake for said motorhaving a setting spring and sole noid release, control switch means forsimulte-ne, ously energizing and deenergizing said motor and solenoid,said output shafts having concentric end portions with the innerprojecting outwardly b yond he out r of d nd p t s. crank me s. tormechanically dr vin said c n rol switch means, said crank means havingopen; ing to receive both of said output shaft end portions, andsecuring means selective, to secure the crank means to either of saidoutput shaft end portions to selectively operate the control switchmeans in accordance with the position of the gear train or the switchcontacts.

l. A switch construction comprising a switch having s p rable c n m untd on an ole vated relatively inaccessible support, unitary operatingmechanism mounted at a remote but relatively accessible location, saidmechanism having an output shaft, motion transmitting means mechanicallyconnecting said shaft and said switch, a reversible motor driving a,IQCILIQ? tion gear train, means releasably coupling said ar t ain nd.utput ha t, a ra e f r sa d mo or having a setting pr n and sole oid re:l e d brake i di r ativ ly fixed. and movable brake shoes engageableWith opposite sides of a brake. disc which is slidably but 11GB?!rotatably mounted on a shaft driven by said motor, control switch meansfor simult neously n r zi nd d e n said motor and s les hold and m hanal me n r sel tively connecting said control switch means to said geartrain or to said output shaft to selectively op r e h c r t h mean in ac rdance wit the po ti ns o the ear tra n or the contacts of the switch.

Motor pe a n mechanism. or switches. compris n upri h us ng, an outputshaft fo the mechani m nroieotins throu h the too Well o a d o n a motorop ra edgear tr in he u p r par f a d housing having a hol low outputshaft ali ned with said mechanism output shaft and extending both aboveand be: low said gear train, manually operable means, for releasably coplin id tput shafts, and said m hanism output shaft having a portionextendin fre y hrou h said gearing utput shaft, control switch, means insaid housing below said gear train, and, means for selectively mechaniscally operating said control switch means from the lower end portionsvof either of shatt -v Motcr operatin mechanism for switches comprising,upright housing, an output shaft for he ch ni m pr ject ng thr u h he.too wall of the housing, a motor operated gear train in the upper partof said housing and having an output shaft, manually operated meanslocated above said gear train for releasably coupling adjacent portionsof said output shafts said output said output shafts also extending topoints beneath said gear train, control switch selective means in saidhousing below said gear train, and means for mechanically operating saidcontrol switch means from the lower end portions of either of saidoutput shafts.

7. Motor operating mechanism for switches comprising, an for themechanism projecting through the top wall of the housing, a gear traindisposed in the upper part of said housing and having an output shaft,removable means located above said gear train for releasably couplingadjacent portions of said output shafts, tending to points beneath saidgear train, control switch means in said housing below said gear train,selective means for mechanically operating said control switch meansfrom the lower end portions of either of said output shafts, a motorhaving a shaft for operating said gear train, said motor being locatedin said housing beneath said gear train in side-by-side relation withsaid control switch means, a brake for said motor shaft, power operatedmeans for actuating said brake located adjacent said control switchmeans, and a manually operable brake handle located at the opposite sideof said housing.

8. Motor operatin mechanism for switches hollow output shaft projectingat opposite sides of said gear train, an output shaft for the entiremechanism having a portion extending through said hollow output shaft,control switch means at one side of said gear train having a mechanicaldrive connection extending into proximity with the adjacent ends of saidoutput shafts,

crank means for selectively connecting said drive connection to theadjacent end of either output shaft, and coupling pin means at the otherside of said gear train for releasably coupling said output shaftstogether.

9. Motor operating mechanism for switches comprising, a motor drivengear train havin a hollow output shaft projecting at opposite sides ofsaid gear train, an output shaft for the entire mechanism having saidhollow output shaft, control switch means at one side of said gear trainhaving a. mechanical drive connection including a crank rotatablymounted on the adjacent end of said hollow shaft,

provision for securing it to said crank having either of said shafts,and coupling pin means at the other side of said gear train forreleasably coupling said output shafts together.

10. Motor operating mechanism for switches 1 gear train having acomprising, a motor driven hollow output shaft, an output shaft for theentire mechanism having a portion extending through said hollow outputshaft, a removable upright housing, an output shaft said output shaftsalso exa portion extending through.

coupling member for releasably coupling said output shafts together,said mechanism output shaft having means associated therewith formanually 14 rotating the shaft, and a releasable latch member forretaining said coupling member in its coupling position.

11. Motor operating mechanism for switches comprising, a motor drivengear train having a hollow output shaft, an output shaft for the entiremechanism having a portion extending through said hollow output shaft, aremovable coupling pin extending through said shafts to connect themtogether, said mechanism output shaft having means 12. Motor operatingmechanism for switches comprising, a motor driven gear train having ahollow output shaft, an output shaft for the entire mechanism having aportion extending through said hollow output shaft, a removable couplingpin extending through said shafts to connect them together, saidmechanism output shaft having an opening therein for receiving anactuating member for manually rotating the shaft, and a gravity actuatedmanually releasable latch member for retaining the coupling pin in itscoupling position, said latch member being disposed to block the openingin the mechanism output shaft when the coupling pin is in its couplingposition.

13. Motor operating mechanism for switches comprising, a motor drivengear train having a hollow output shaft, an output shaft for the entiremechanism having a portion extending through said hollow output shaft, aremovable coupling pin extending through said shafts to connect themtogether, said mechanism output shaft having an opening therein forreceiving an actuating member for manually rotating the shaft, and agravity actuated manually releasable latch member for retaining thecoupling pin in its coupling position, said latch member being disposedto block the opening in the mechanism output shaft when the coupling pinis in the coupling position and to prevent the insertion 01 JAMES B.OWENS.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS

